“What about the other four survivors?” Jameson asked, suddenly recalling them.
“The youngest one, Leana, called her parents immediately. Rachel and Matthew will take them to the mansion in Corpus Christi tomorrow. One of the counselors met with her, and they’re setting up someone to go to her home. Dr. Greene examined her right after she finished with Caroline. The other three want to stay in the cabins,” Garrett said, sitting beside his best friend.
He nodded. “I’m glad we got them,” he said quietly.
“Hell, yeah,” Garrett said. “Now, stop moping and get a shower. Riley and one of Dr. Greene’s aides will keep her cool until you return. I’ll watch over her like she’s my own.”
“Hell, you’re not fooling anyone. Riley stands toe to toe with you, and Tara’s right behind her,” Jameson teased, chuckling.
Garrett grinned. “I don’t want it any other way. I’m thinking of getting a male dog. It might even out things in the house.”
Sending him a doubtful smirk, Jameson rose, checked Caroline’s fever, and turned to his friend.
“You’ll come get me if anything changes?”
“You have my word,” Garrett promised.
Reluctantly, he left Caroline and drove to his cabin. He showered, changed, and returned within an hour.
Riley smiled as he entered, removing the cloth from Caroline’s forehead.
“She’s moving about. I think she’ll wake up soon. Dr. Greene left ten minutes ago. The fever hasn’t broken, but her vitals have improved. I brought you a blanket and a couple of pillows. There’s a thermos on the bedside table full of coffee with a few snacks.”
“Thanks, Riley,” he said, hugging her. “I appreciate you taking care of her. Where’s your big grizzly bear?”
“I heard that,” Garrett grumbled. “It’s bad enough you have the team calling me Grizzly, don’t get her started.”
Riley giggled. “We can come up with something worse,” she suggested, leaning against his broad body. Garrett’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
“It gave us time to sit together long enough to plan a wedding date. We’re exchanging vows a month from now,” he announced, kissing Riley’s head.
“Wow. Congratulations. Don’t weddings take a long time to plan?” he asked, glancing at Riley.
Shrugging, she grinned. “What more do I need? I have the groom. Tara will be my maid of honor, and we’re catering the meal from the diner Garrett introduced me to. All our friends live here, and this big bear keeps bugging me to set a date.”
“You’re having the ceremony on the ranch?” he asked.
‘Yup. I love our home. I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate,” Riley beamed at Garrett, making Jameson almost jealous. Their love for each other was evident to anyone who saw them.
“If you need anything, no matter the time, you call us,” Riley said, walking to the bed, squeezing Caroline’s hand, and speaking softly.
“Keep your cool, brother,” Garrett said, giving him a manly pat on his shoulder. “We’ll check on you in the morning,” he said before leading Riley from the room.
Jameson pulled the sheet higher over Caroline, hating to see goosebumps on her arms from the chills. Dr. Greene didn’t want blankets to keep her fever rising.
“I’m back, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’d feel a whole lot better if you opened your eyes and cussed me out or even glared at me.”
As if on cue, Caroline blinked her eyes, making him lean forward.
“There’s my girl,” he exclaimed. “I finally found you. You’re safe in a hospital, kinda. Dr. Greene started giving you antibiotics through an IV. Do you have any pain?”
Caroline swallowed, taking in her surroundings. She shook her head. “I didn’t know what happened to you,” she faltered.
“After I left you, Cain must’ve figured out I didn’t play for his team. He ordered four men to jump me, and before I knew it, he tried selling me to my boss, Julio. Your information helped us. Julio ended up in Georgia when they called and switched the auction place. Rebecca’s here and can’t wait to meet you.”
“Where am I?” she asked.
“We’re on Haven Ranch. It’s a place where survivors come to heal and rebuild their lives. I’m sorry, I’m babbling. You probably feel like shit. Can I get you anything?”
